Canadian Power Conference and Trade Show 2009

The Integrated Power System Plan ("IPSP") for Ontario was introduced previously at this conference. The Ontario government had proposed during the 2003 election to eliminate by 2007 all coal burning facilities and replace them with gas burning facilities; however, Ontario had said that it will not be able to meet this goal until 2014 according to the Ontario Power Authority (the agency responsible for carrying out Ontario's electricity plan)! There are also questions about whether or not gas burning facilities are substantially better than coal burning facilities. The Directive's conservation goals were to reduce demand by 1350 MW by 2010 and an additional 3,600 MW by 2025. Ontario had planned to increase its use of renewable energy such as hydroelectric, wind, solar and biomass by 2,700 MW by 2010 and by 15,700 MW by 2025. The IPSP had also provided that nuclear power will be used to meet its base load either by building new reactors or the refurbishment of of existing nuclear reactors. "The Ontario Power Authority (the “OPA”) on August 29, 2007 filed an application for approval of the Integrated Power System Plan (the “IPSP”) with the Ontario Energy Board (the “OEB”)."[www.powerauthority.on.ca]

There remains concerns about the costs and danger of nuclear power and the long term storage requirements thereof. TorontoArtsandEvents favours refurbishment of existing nuclear plants where cost effective but not the buildng of new nuclear reactors and instead the money should be spent on the development of renewable energy. The Ontario government did a flip flop on nuclear power due to its costs and presented at this meeting more money for renewable energy. Stayed tuned! Of great interest was the discussions on the Ontario's Feed in Tarrif Program ("FIT") which allows business to create renewable energy projects that connect to the electrical network and allow for the sale of electricity.

This annual event which was held in conjunction with the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association's Conference is one of the leading conferences in the Ontario electricity sector. Ontario is looking at building or replacing power capacity at a rate amongst the highest anywhere in the world. The trade show which covered both green power and conventional technologies, featured some of the most active players in the power generation business. APPrO anticipated over 700 delegates, and 70 exhibitors, along with significant media and public attention. The Stephen Probyn Prize which is awarded by APPrO to an individual who has achieved “significant advances and achievements in financial markets, public policy or science and technology which promote action on climate change and sustainable development” and was given to John and Ross Keating and the Hedley Palmer Award ( given annually by APPrO to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the power generation industry ) was awarded at the Banquet Dinner.

For an update on energy news and Ontario government promises, check back here for the Canadian Power Conference Trade Show 2010!! Click on this page for more information about APPrO and its conference and trade show.